ROBERTS DAB5 Portable DAB Radio User Manual
- June 15, 2024
- ROBERTS
Table of Contents
FAQ
Can my radio be upgraded to support DAB+?
Unfortunately, if your DAB radio was produced before 2014 then it is highly unlikely it will support the new DAB+ format. We are sorry to say these radios cannot be upgraded.
My radio is producing a ‘bubbling’ or ‘underwater’ noise on DAB
This distinctive 'bubbling' sound is caused by poor signal. Usually this can be addressed by ensuring the aerial is fully extended and try to move the angle of the aerial for the best receiption. If necessary, moving the radio a short distance may also improve the situation.
Why are some radio stations silent?
The radio station may be broadcasting using a newer DAB standard known as DAB+. Even if your radio is not compatible with DAB+, on some of the older radios these radio stations may still appear in the station list; however, they will be silent as the radio is unable to decode them.
Can I get DAB digital radio everywhere in the UK?
Not yet. BBC services currently cover approximately 97% of the population and commercial services cover 90%. We recommend using the DAB postcode checker on the home page to identify which stations you can receive.
I can’t receive some stations listed on the postcode checker
The postcode checker gives a good rule-of-thumb guide as to whether DAB services are available in your area. However, it can't take into account local conditions, obstructions or building materials. If you are having difficulty receiving a good signal, try moving your radio to slightly different location and do another auto tune. Other suggestions for improving localised reception problems are to extend the aerial fully or move the aerial (particularly wire aerials - try different places to stretch it out). It may be necessary to use an external aerial if this does not resolve your problem.
Why is there a noticeable delay in the audio when listening to both analogue and DAB radio?
If you were to listen to the same station on two radios, one analogue and one DAB, you would notice a slight delay on the digital radio. All station transmissions start as an analogue broadcast, these are then transformed into a digital transmission. In order for your radio to play its audio, it must buffer and then decode the digital signal. This process usually takes a few econds – resulting in the delay.
Will my DAB digital radio work abroad?
This depends on which digital radio player you have and the country you are in. Most of Europe and Asia implement the DAB transmission system however it is currently unavailable in the Americas. The UK typically uses DAB with an increasing use of DAB+ for new stations, whereas DAB+ is used across most of Europe and Asia. Roberts Radios manufactured after 2014 should all support DAB+ and are therefore able to access digital radio stations abroad. If you are unsure, please verify if your user manual mentions DAB+ or contact us for assistance. Before taking your radio abroad, we recommend performing a factory reset and switching the radio off prior to its scan for radio stations. It will automatically scan for available radio stations when using it in your new location.
In addition, unless you are using the radio off batteries, please ensure if the radio has a mains adapter is compatible with the country you are are travelling too.